Saluting the Nats

As of this writing, I think I could safely say the Nats have the happiest fanbase in D.C. pro sports. That's kind of weird.

I think I could also say that the Nats might have the second-best prospects for upcoming on-field success, or at worst the third. D.C. United is in tatters. You couldn't name half of next season's Wizards roster. Everything about the Redskins seems promising, but that's on paper -- on the field, their most recent results were a .250 winning percentage and massive angst.

And so, long as it lasts, might as well enjoy the good times. The Nats' star pitcher is unhittable, and also is batting .333. Their new closer has nine saves; no one reached that number in last year's pen until August 4. They haven't lost more than two consecutive games all season; at this point a year ago, they already had two three-game losing streaks and a seven-gamer. In an especial brand of insanity, Kevin Millar has even compared them to the 2008 Rays.

Also, they happen to be a game out of first place. Last year on this date, they were 7-and-a-half back. Two years ago it was 6-and-a-half. This is the whole point to April; to keep us excited for May. Cross that off the list.

"Talk of contending is still fiction, but I don't care. It's time to pretend," writes one Nats fan.

Plus, they have goofy routines and nicknames. Nyjer Morgan has dubbed his lineup "the S.W.A.T. team." Fans are calling the 8th and 9th innings "Clip and Save." And maybe I missed the explanation on this, but Morgan seems to salute everyone within 500 yards after wins. So someone give me directions to the bandwagon; I'm gonna need 'em.

Didn't we lose 4 in a row to open up 1-4? That said, go Nats! I was in the front row on the 3rd baseline for the 13 inning loss last week...the guys are putting in all the effort, hopefully the wins can start piling up.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe Nyjer Morgan is a John Cena fan and that inspired the salute. You should ask him about that, Dan.

BTW, I walked into Opening Day behind Nyjer's dad -- or at least someone who said he was. He was talking about how he liked the country Niger and wanted to name his son after it, "But I spelled it differently so he wouldn't get into a bunch of fights growing up."